Council of Trent, 1545-1563, Roman Catholic Church

Council of Trent, 1545-1563, Roman Catholic Church

1. Is justification the gift of God or does it require human effort

   • God does not just make people righteous, they must become righteous. Needs effort.
     • "In Christ God was... not counting their sins against them" 2 Corinthians 5:19

2. What is the relationship between faith and good works?

   • Good works are required as a condition for ultimate justification [cooperation]
     • Grace is a gift, it cannot be earned. [so good works not required, just faith alone]

3. What is the relationship between justification and the sacraments?

   • Justification has two phases: 1)baptism 2)eucharist, penance, good works
     • Eternal life is a gift from God (Romans 6:23) [sacraments not required for justification]

4. Can people know they are justified?

   • People can be relatively but not absolutely assured of their salvation/justification
     • All you need to do to be saved is believe. (John 6:29) [Just believe and you can know]

5. Can people earn justification through good works?

   • At first, justification happens by grace, but works are needed thereafter
     • Good works are not necessary for salvation, but salvation produces good works.